Of Counsel

Recognizing a need for alternative pathways for graduated law students to successfully advance to lawyers, the Law Society launched the Law Practice Program in 2014. The initiative was bold and met with controversy among the bar. Many saw the program as redundant, substandard, and exacerbating the problem of unemployment among recently called lawyers.

In only 3 short years, the Ryerson LPP program would not only prove their critics wrong by actually creating employment opportunities for lawyers, but also exemplified a comprehensive, innovative, and practical articling experience.

In 2018, the LPP program has a long list of successful placements and permanent employment for their candidates in banks, Bay St., insurance, criminal and constitutional law, and almost all the areas that those outside the LPP aspire towards.

However, the overwhelming success of the program would not have come without the passion, perseverance, and wisdom of our three guests today. Gina Alexandris, André Bacchus, and Chris Bentley who combined their impressive backgrounds from legal education, Bay St., and politics to form what the LPP is today.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW OF A GUEST FOR THE OF COUNSEL PODCAST. THE LAWYER / GUEST IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE FIRM ROBICHAUD'S NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OR LEGAL VIEWS OF THE FIRM. PLEASE CONTACT THE GUEST DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.

Annamaria Enenajor is a legal phenom and inspiration among her peers.

She holds her BA from the University of Toronto, her Masters of Science from Oxford, and her civil and common law degrees from McGill University where she graduated Gold Medalist. Following her education, Annamaria clerked for Justice Marie Deschamps and Justice Richard Wagner of the Supreme Court of Canada.  From there, Annamaria spent time in New York with an international law firm focusing on litigation in regulatory compliance, corruption, and white collar crime.

While there, she devoted considerable efforts towards pro bonowork that resulted in her being awarded the 2014 Pro Bono Publico Award by the New York Legal Aid Society. Since her call to the Ontario bar in 2013, joined the firm Ruby Schiller where Annamaria proved herself in constitutional and criminal litigation alongside criminal law legend, Clayton Ruby. Annamaria is now partner of this prestigious firm (recently renamed, Ruby Schiller & Enenajor,). As of late, Annamaria has focused considerable efforts and influence on Cannabis legalization reform in Canada. She recently testified before the Senate of Canada and started a petition to grant amnestyfor those with criminal records for marijuana possession.

Annamaria's insights on the law, achieving success within it, and how to overcome the challenges faced by racialized lawyers like herself is invaluable. Listen to them all here, on this episode of Of Counsel.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW OF A GUEST FOR THE OF COUNSEL PODCAST. THE LAWYER / GUEST IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE FIRM ROBICHAUD'S NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OR LEGAL VIEWS OF THE FIRM. PLEASE CONTACT THE GUEST DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.

Paul Schabas was elected Treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario in 2016.

Now sitting in his final months as the elected head of Ontario's governing body of lawyers, Paul reflects on his past two years in this role, as well as what the future may have in store for him and the Society.

His term has brought with it notable changes, including: a change of the Law Society's name, an implementation of a Statement of Principles to reflect lawyers' required commitment to diversity in the province, an extension of the LPP program, increased enforcement of improper lawyer marketing, and much more.

In addition to his role at the Law Society, Paul Schabas is an accomplished media and litigation lawyer at the venerable Blake's law firm in Toronto, a law professor at the University of Toronto, and an active volunteer in the legal community.

In 2011, Paul was named one of Canada's most influential lawyers by Canadian Lawyer Magazine.  Learn why, on this episode of, Of Counsel.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW OF A GUEST FOR THE OF COUNSEL PODCAST. THE LAWYER / GUEST IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE FIRM ROBICHAUD'S NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OR LEGAL VIEWS OF THE FIRM. PLEASE CONTACT THE GUEST DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.

Anita Szigeti is one of Canada's leading mental heath lawyers.  

Her expertise spans all aspects of mental health and its interactions with the Canadian justice system. Her passion for her clients and the law is inspiring. Despite her day to day in and out of hospitals, tribunals, criminal courts, and review boards, she maintains a remarkable optimism and enthusiasm for her work.

Among many other accomplishments, she has served as Former Chair to the Mental Health Legal Committee and Legal Aid Ontario's Mental Health and Policy Advisor Group. She sits as a Director of the Criminal Lawyers' Association, founder to LAMBDA (Law and Mental Health Disorder Association) where she currently sits as President, an an author to A Guide to Consent and Capacity Law in Ontario.

Join us as we learn what happens when someone who wants to become a doctor, ends up scoring perfect on her LSATs.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW OF A GUEST FOR THE OF COUNSEL PODCAST. THE LAWYER / GUEST IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE FIRM ROBICHAUD'S NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OR LEGAL VIEWS OF THE FIRM. PLEASE CONTACT THE GUEST DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.

This episode's Of Counsel podcast, is particularly special as we host a former judge of the Supreme Court of Canada: The Honourable Justice Tom Cromwell.

After an illustrious career in practice, then sitting as a judge on the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, and then 8 years on the Supreme Court of Canada, Justice Cromwell now acts as senior counsel to Borden Ladner Gervais and shares his time between their Toronto and Vancouver offices.

Join us as he discusses advocacy, the importance of access to justice, the future of law, music, food, safaris, and tips for how we can ensure our justice system maintains its relevance moving forward.

HE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW OF A GUEST FOR THE OF COUNSEL PODCAST. THE LAWYER / GUEST IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE FIRM ROBICHAUD'S NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OR LEGAL VIEWS OF THE FIRM. PLEASE CONTACT THE GUEST DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.

Jacqueline Horvat is a founding partner of Spark LLP in Toronto, and the youngest person ever elected bencher to the Law Society of Ontario.

After leaving on of Canada's best litigation firms, she now advances her practice with a unique and effective approach to business law and commercial litigation. She has appeared before all levels of Court in Ontario and is an active member of the legal community with particular interest in the training and mentorship of lawyers.

Join us as she discusses the lessons she has learned as Ontario's youngest ever elected bencher, the initiatives she has contributed towards during her terms, and advice for younger lawyers wishing to follow a similar path of excellence.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW OF A GUEST FOR THE OF COUNSEL PODCAST. THE LAWYER / GUEST IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE FIRM ROBICHAUD'S NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OR LEGAL VIEWS OF THE FIRM. PLEASE CONTACT THE GUEST DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.

In this episode of Of Counsel, we sat down with leading constitutional and criminal scholar, Professor Don Stuart of Queen’s University on a tranquil snowy afternoon at his office in Kingston.

Born and raised during the time of apartheid South Africa, Professor Stuart quickly came to realize the value of human rights and civil liberties when contrasted starkly with the oppressive state power.

Don Stuart has taught law for nearly 50 years and leaves a legacy of accomplished criminal justice advocates and jurists in his wake as he approaches retirement from his lengthy tenure at Queen’s.

Over those years, Professor Stuart has not just contributed to, but shaped criminal jurisprudence through his treaties and texts, criminal reports, and countless publications and articles. Cited on numerous occasions by the Supreme Court of Canada for his work and insights in criminal justice, Prof. Stuart is widely recognized as one of the best legal minds in criminal justice that Canada has to offer.

Among many other awards he has received over his career, in 2012 he was awarded the G. Arthur Martin Medal for Criminal Justice, perhaps the most prestigious award anyone can receive in Canada’s criminal justice world; and one awarded only once before to an academic.

Join us as we listen to Professor Stuart reflect on decades of Canadian criminal law, the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms from its inception in 1982, the frustration and disappointment felt by politics, the future of law and academics, and so much more.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW OF A GUEST FOR THE OF COUNSEL PODCAST. THE LAWYER / GUEST IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE FIRM ROBICHAUD’S NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OR LEGAL VIEWS OF THE FIRM. PLEASE CONTACT THE GUEST DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.

Sara Mainville is one of the most reputable and accomplished First Nations' lawyers in Canada.

In this episode of Of Counsel, Sara Mainville joins us to discuss her role as counsel, strategic advisor, and negotiator within OKT Law, a leading law firm in Aboriginal legal affairs.

After completing her law degree at Queen's University, Sara continued her pursuit for justice at the University of Toronto where she received her LL.M., and awarded the June Callwood bursary for graduate studies . Sara is not only an accomplished lawyer, but also an accomplished author of publications surrounding the history of Indigenous Treaties, their importance, and their integration into international treaties and resulting obligations.

Sara's story is one of child of the Couchiching First Nation, to Chief, and one that is truly remarkable and awe-inspiring.  Her wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable to her clients and firm in pursing what has driven her from an early age: justice and dialogue for her community in Canada's affairs.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW OF A GUEST FOR THE OF COUNSEL PODCAST. THE LAWYER / GUEST IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE FIRM ROBICHAUD’S NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OR LEGAL VIEWS OF THE FIRM. PLEASE CONTACT THE GUEST DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.

This episode's background music is the new single "The Unforgotten" by Canadian Juno Award nominee IsKwé, with her generous permission. We are very grateful to this Canadian Indigenous Artist and encourage our listeners to take a moment to listen to the entire song at the end of our podcast.

You can download the entire album and other music by IsKwé by visiting the artist's website or through iTunes here.

This episode’s guest on Of Counsel is Gillian Hnatiw. Gillian practices in administrative, health, employment, and professional liability law. She has also developed a very high level of expertise in representing victims of sexual violence.  During the highly publicized and controversial criminal trial of Jian Ghomeshi, Gillian acted as counsel for Lucy DeCoutere and defended her interests vociferously both in and outside of Court.

As a strong voice in the legal community for victims' rights, Gillian has offered invaluable insight into the #MeToo movement and how society must reflect on inappropriate sexual behavior and crimes.

In 2015, Gillian was named by Lexpert as a rising star by her successes not just in victim rights, but also in other areas of litigation including her role in the Ashely Smith Inquest. Just recently, Giliian left Lerners, one of Canada’s top litigation firms, to partner with other legal icons to form the firm Adair Goldblatt Bieber. This new stage in her career is destined to bring considerable success to her and her clients while permitting her to focus on the areas of law she is most passionate towards.

In addition to her legal successes, Gillian is a mother of three, an avid traveler, and a self-described introvert who loves nothing more than to decompress from the buzz of litigation.  She is an active member of the community and very proudly sits on LEAF’s Board of Directors which plays an essential role in shaping equality rights across Canada.

Join us as we discuss it all.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW OF A GUEST FOR THE OF COUNSEL PODCAST. THE LAWYER / GUEST IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE FIRM ROBICHAUD’S NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OR LEGAL VIEWS OF THE FIRM. PLEASE CONTACT THE GUEST DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.

He has spent his career defending unpopular clients, advocating principled positions, and holding strong in face of a relentless prosecution by the Law Society of Ontario for allegations of "incivility" in his successful defence of John Felderhof in the now infamous Bre-X scandal.

Even as a young boy growing up in Toronto, Joseph knew with certainty he wanted practice law. He attend law school at the University of Toronto before being called in 1981. In 1985 he joined the Ontario Securities Commission as associate general counsel handling litigation matters to later become Director of Enforcement. Over time, and under the mentorship of legendary lawyers like Ian Binnie, he harnessed his specialization in securities law into his own Toronto firm Groia & Co.

In 2015, and despite the ongoing prosecution he faced by the Law Society, Joseph was elected Bencher and now is one of the many lawyers in the Province of Ontario who contributes to the regulation of the profession. Joseph has been ranked as one of Canada's 500 leading lawyers since the year 2000.

Above all, Joseph Groia's sense of right and wrong and his willingness to fight for injustice is truly remarkable and an inspiration to many lawyers and law students wishing to follow in his footsteps.

Join us as we listen to Joe discusses advocacy, integrity, courage, and how to make fine wine.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN INTERVIEW OF A GUEST FOR THE OF COUNSEL PODCAST. THE LAWYER / GUEST IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY WITH THE FIRM ROBICHAUD’S NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OR LEGAL VIEWS OF THE FIRM. PLEASE CONTACT THE GUEST DIRECTLY IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.